Abolitionist's statue unveiled by first lady

WASHINGTON – First lady Michelle Obama reflected yesterday on her own family's rise from slavery to the White House as she helped to unveil a statue of abolitionist Sojourner Truth – the first black woman to be so honored at the Capitol.

“I hope that Sojourner Truth would be proud to see me, a descendant of slaves, serving as the first lady of the United States of America,” Obama said to loud applause at a ceremony at the Capitol Visitor Center.

WASHINGTON – Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius won Senate confirmation yesterday as the nation's health and human services secretary, thrusting her into the middle of a public health emergency involving the swine flu.

The 65-31 confirmation vote came after Democrats urged quick action so that Sebelius could get to work leading the federal response to the flu outbreak.

Associated Press

3 brothers given life in plot to kill soldiers

CAMDEN, N.J. – Three immigrant brothers involved in a plot to kill military personnel, possibly on Fort Dix, were sentenced yesterday to spend the rest of their lives in prison.

The government had said the men were familiar with the Army post because their father's pizza shop delivered there, and it presented the case as one of the most startling examples of homegrown terrorism.

Dritan, Eljvir and Shain Duka professed their innocence in courtroom speeches before U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler handed down their sentences. Two other men were to be sentenced today.